Low Cost, Environmentally Robust Hybrid Polyorganosiloxane Nanocomposite Coatings for Preventing Inter-Granular Corrosion in Sensitized 5000 Series Al

The objective of this Phase I SBIR program is to develop innovative hybrid polyorganosiloxane nanocomposite protective coatings for preventing inter-granular corrosion in sensitized 5000 series aluminum alloys. The novel nanocomposite coatings would consist of NanoSonic’s marine durable fluorinated polyorganosiloxane coatings and reinforcing metal oxide nanoparticles. The proposed hybrid inorganic – organic nontoxic anticorrosion coatings will provide a durable, low cost solution for preventing stress corrosion cracking and exfoliation corrosion to aluminum alloys subjected to prolonged tensile stresses in marine environments. To facilitate near term entry within current and future naval combatants, researchers will molecularly engineer the proposed fluorinated nanocomposite coatings for strong adhesion to aluminum alloys without the use of prime coats, zero-VOC spray deposition techniques using legacy airless spray equipment and a cost target of < $8 / lb. Of particular interest, the base polyorganosiloxane templates for the proposed effort have demonstrated exceptional corrosion protection to a broad spectrum of aluminum alloys during the salt – fog corrosion test (ASTM B117), blast / ballistic protection to underlying metal alloy substrates, environmentally VOC-free deposition conditions and negligible marine biofouling within highly active marine media.